I am sure we are all breathing a sigh of relief it’s nearly time to say goodbye to the strange alien droning sound of those 13-year cicadas (if you don’t know what I am talking about, I can only assume you live in a soundproof house and have not stepped foot outside your door in the past month. Those critters are noisy).

I have to say I really enjoy the sound of “regular” cicadas, however. For me and for many others, their chirping is part and parcel of summer memories growing up in south Alabama.

Cicadas and fireflies dancing at twilight. The sweet scent of freshly mown grass and the feel of it between your toes. Playing badminton in the front yard and riding bikes.

Running through the water sprinkler for a quick cool down on a hot day. Trips to the beach. Sunburns (remember your sunscreen), the delicious coconut scent of Hawaiian Tropic and inevitable sand in your swimsuit; sandcastles built, a seashell to add to your collection. Curling up and enjoying a good book.

The syrupy taste of a frozen ice treat and that satisfying thump given to a watermelon that lets you know it’s good and ripe, ready to go into the freezer to be well chilled. A sharp butcher knife, spoons and salt shaker and lots of paper towels to capture the juice as it rolls down your chin.

Fresh tomatoes, ripe and juicy, straight from the vine and still warm from the sun. Get out that knife and saltshaker and enjoy the homegrown goodness.

The smell of citronella candles to ward off those pesky mosquitoes. The sizzle of burgers cooking on the grill.

The pastel pinks and purples of the hydrangeas and the bold yellows and oranges of the lilies. The heady scent of gardenia and the soft perfume of magnolias in a gentle breeze.

Seersucker suits and floral sundresses. White patent shoes and handbags to match. Funeral home fans to stir the humid air when no air conditioning is available. Family reunions and church homecomings with covered dishes galore. Feasting and fellowship, memories made and shared.

May the youngsters of today make as many good memories with family and friends this summer as we did.